Amazon Announces New Kindles: $139 Wi-Fi, $189 3G

[Mistrblank]

I'm not sure why people keep wanting to compare these devices as if the only purchase decision is the $500 iPad or the $140 Kindle. The iPad is far more than a reader, both in price and features. One feature crossover is not enough to make them direct feature competitors.

Agreed, 4 months ago when prices were similar and eReader prices were much higher, I would have said there is a huge argument for the iPad over anything else. Right now though, the smaller Kindle and it's price point makes it good if you want a device dedicated to reading.

I don't get why people go insane over the e-ink displays though. I feel like I'm about to drop into a seizure every time I flip a page on the nook display models at B&N. I assume from my research that this is similar in the kindle as well. I MUCH prefer the smooth gesture based switching of the iPad apps as well.

 

[NebulaClash]

There is no doubt that iBooks is an excellent little app and I love the detail thrown into it. However, nothing compares to an electronic ink screen when trying to read a book (except of course, books themselves). The backlight and discernable pixels on the iPad make reading for long stretches a chore. While visiting my dad, I tried to read one of his downloaded books and after about 20 minutes, I was feeling the strain. It's just because I'm exposed to LCD screens ALL the time and sometimes simply need a break from them.

See, this is why it is important to try out the different devices for yourself, for my experience is precisely the opposite of mac1984user's. This doesn't make me right or mac1984user wrong, it simply means we reacted differently to the devices.

I tried a Kindle and hated it. Hated the black and white. Despised the blink and delay when moving to a new page. Annoyed that it had a hardware keyboard. Didn't care for the small amount of text on the screen.

I got an iPad on April 3rd. Since that time I have read more than 20 novels on it. I've never enjoyed reading as much as I am now. I read it every day. I love that I can read in bed with the lights out. I love the large portrait screen. I love the way the pages turn. I love the speed. I love the color. I love that you can dim or or make it as bright as you want. I never, ever, ever feel eye strain.

I was worried that I would feel as mac1984user does, that looking at backlit screens all day would mean I would find the iPad screen tiring. It's just the opposite. The screen is so nice, it invites me in.

Remember, I've read more than 20 novels on it, so I'm speaking from more experience than almost anyone else with iPads. You should try all of the options on the market and pick the one that works for YOU.

 

[Boston007]

The iPad is not a dedicated ebook reader, it is a multipurpose device that makes a great ebook reader, provided you don't have lcd-sensitive eyes. (In which case you're pretty unlucky these days).

Why people compare the two is beyond me.

Plus I can read from my iPad in the dark.

Really? What did people do with books then?

I like the e-ink readers too, but I think I'd prefer a nook, even at a $10 premium. It is more open, format wise.

Google calibre

 

[Bodhi395]

Now that the Kindle is in a decent price-range, it seems like a much more attractive purchase. The iPad and Kindle are really not comparable devices. The iPad is a touch computer with eReading capabilities and the Kindle is a dedicated eReader. Because all of the focus has gone into this one quality as opposed to everything else, I believe the Kindle is better for it. There is no doubt that iBooks is an excellent little app and I love the detail thrown into it. However, nothing compares to an electronic ink screen when trying to read a book (except of course, books themselves). The backlight and discernable pixels on the iPad make reading for long stretches a chore. While visiting my dad, I tried to read one of his downloaded books and after about 20 minutes, I was feeling the strain. It's just because I'm exposed to LCD screens ALL the time and sometimes simply need a break from them.

At work, I am in front of an LCD screen. At home, I watch movies, play games and surf the web in front of an LCD screen. When I play a game or open an app on my iPhone, I'm in front of an LCD screen. There's too much backlight in my life. When I read a book, I want it to reflect light, not produce it. When reading is your escape from computers, you don't want to have to use a full-blown computer to do it (opinions of the iPad as full computer aside). I say, long live the Kindle. I think there are enough avid readers out there who would agree that as a dedicated reader, it is the preferred option.

I agree 100%!

The iPad and Kindle are completely different right now, and they shouldn't even be compared to each other. The Kindle is e-books and basically only e-books. While it does a couple other limited functions, e-books are its bread and butter.

The iPad on the other hand is basically a computer, with full web browser, color screen, and apps. It happens to have an e-books app included, but that is a minor part of its functionality. Its good for people who want a computer and to read their books all in the same package, but for people who simply want to read e-books in a light device, the Kindle beats it.

I would compare it to a camera on a cell phone. Since cameras have been on cell phones, stand alone cameras still are thriving, because its just a better experience to take pictures on a regular camera and they are higher quality. While a cell phone camera will do well in a pinch, the cell phone was not designed to be a camera, it just has that added function. The iBook app on the iPad is like a camera app on a cell phone, and the Kindle is like a stand-alone camera.

 

[Mistrblank]

Unlike the iPad, you also don't need a computer to keep syncing it - making it viable for a lot more people.

You only need a computer to activate the iPad, after that you don't need one to sync anything. As a matter of fact I think I've only sync'd my iPad a handful of times and only to sync up bookmarks because I don't really put music or too many movies on mine.

 

[Badradio]

Why people compare the two is beyond me.

There isn't a direct comparison, but the two do have a significant overlap. I like watching movies on my laptop, but hate reading books on the screen. If I add a Kindle, it removes any last need I could identify for an iPad. If I didn't have a laptop, the iPad would offer me more value for the price. So while they don't compete directly, they are both involved in the same purchasing equation.

It's like the iPhone/iPod Touch; I'd have upgraded to an iPhone long ago if I didn't already have an iPod Touch, so although the iPhone does way more, the fact that I have an iPod Touch and a basic mobile phone prevents me wanting to buy one.

 

[fxtech]

Agreed.

And this just might be enough to get me to upgrade my 1st generation Kindle. The new screen sounds nice and the new battery sounds even nicer! I wonder how much I can get for my old one.

I just ordered one for my wife, who still has the 1st gen Kindle. She's gonna love this.

When I got my iPad, I handed it to her. She held it for one second, said "too heavy", and handed it back.

Anyone who doesn't understand why someone would prefer the Kindle over an iPad as a BOOK READER doesn't read much.

 

[wizard]

Misrepresentation of iOS devices.

I think you're wrong.

You are not all that perfect yourself!

This is a fantastic price for a device with a better book reading experience than the iPad. Unlike the iPad, you also don't need a computer to keep syncing it - making it viable for a lot more people.

I'm not sure what you are talking about here. IOS devices don't need constant syncing. Certainly not as E-Book readers. IOS devices can go a very long time without syncing if that is the way you want to use them.

Frankly though the ability to sync and IOS device is a huge advantage or great feature depending upon how you look at it. Plus it is akways a good thing to have local backups.

The Kindle book model is a lot better than Apple's iBook model too - you can share with more devices (including reading your books on the computer), and you don't have to back up your purchases.

Well you don't "have to" back up an iPad either. However i have to ask why wouldn't you want your data backed up. You have heard of Microsoft/Danger haven't you?

Not everyone wants to pay $500+ for mobile videos and gaming.

I'd rephrase that as nobody wants to soend excessively for a single function E-Book reader. In that regard the Kindke is an excellent device.

IPad however is an entirely different beast. It is far more than a machine for videos and gaming. This is why much of this thread is senseless, the two devices are not reasonably comparable. Even as an E-Book reader because you first have to ask which app are you talking about.

This is now firmly in the impulse-buy cost bracket, and I think Amazon is going to sell a LOT.

This I agree on. They have covered their initial R&D and from now on the device should get cheaper. In a sense here i suspect that Amazons approach will be the opposite of Apples. That is they expect the bulk of profits to come from the sale of software, that is books.

Kindle is like a Phillips Screw Driver. Match the tool with the right screw and it works really well. Like wise when Kindle is matched with the right source material it is pretty hard to beat.

I probably should add matched with the right user base. It is notable that Kindle has been rejected by a large number of colkege students. While i don't have all the specifics I'd have to imagine that the device simply doesn't fit an average students reading habits/needs. It is the wrong interface for one. Plus that single function approach has to hurt it a bit.

In anyevent I will repeat this Kindle / iPad competition is a non starter. They serve entirely different needs.


Dave

 

[seedster2]

Own kindle & own iPad.

Bar none the kindle is a country mile ahead in terms of being the device that has endeared me to books again. A wonderful device despite the iPad being a world-class device itself.

For really getting into a book, kindle/actual books can't be beat.

I notice I read a lot less with my iPad than I did with my kindle. I think has to do with the distracting multi functionality with the iPad and the LCD screen

If Amazon can charge an additional $50 for 3G AND Whispernet, one should wonder why Apple charges $130 for 3G alone.

Apple's penchant for draining wallets strikes again.

This will cut into some iPad sales. How could it not? $139. Great price.

Not a huge dent but it will certainly have some impact. especially if the primary intention was a good e-reader. The price gap is widening.

we have to thank iPad for almost 50% Kindle price reduce
so thank you, iPad

I think it has more to do with the competitive e-reader market

 

[skillz1318]

I don't have any hate for the iPad, but the Kindle is a much better ereader for me.

I read mostly outside and on vacations and the Kindle has zero glare in direct sun which I love...with the iPad I would not be able to read outside which is a necessity for me.

 

[bucks-daddy-o]

i for one have been waiting for long until ipad gets announced and then bought kindle. these are two different things. not necessarily competing stuffs.

 

[RalfTheDog]

The day I got my iPad, my Kindle got moved to the shelf. I like the bigger text on the iPad. I like reading in dark places (When I go to the movies, I will bring my iPad and read until the previews start. You can't do that with a Kindle.)

I do use the Kindle software for the iPad because Amazon has a larger number of books. When Google gets into the book business, they will probably have more books than Amazon+Apple. You can run the Kindle software, iBooks and you will be able to run Google books on the iPad. The Kindle is limited to Amazon books.

 

[Badradio]

Well you don't "have to" back up an iPad either. However i have to ask why wouldn't you want your data backed up. You have heard of Microsoft/Danger haven't you?
Dave

Amazon let you redownload all of your purchases whenever you want, so there's no practical need to backup like there is with the iPad. If you're adding pdfs/eBooks from your computer, that's another issue.

 

[fxtech]

Yawn!

Not a reader, huh?

 

[4FalconAF]

When I saw the thumbnail of macrumors in Safari I thought at first the article photo was a picture of some 1990 iSlate testing model or something like that. They need to get serious about product design.

 

[klrobinson999]

The Kindle is never meant to really compete with an all-in-one device like the iPad. I think people compare it because of the form factor and the ability of the iPad to read books, but the similarities stop there.

The Kindle is for heavy readers, who want a dedicated e-reader experience. Amazon looks to be hitting it out of the ball park with this one. E-Ink IS better on the eyes, and at $139 - with 650,000 reading options! - it's a steal.

This was a device that was $259 just 2 months ago.

For the first time, I'm thinking of buying one, and I already have an iPad.
The Kindle is an awesome device in and of itself.

 

[Butts M Biggilo]

LOVE my Kindle! Its an eReader, and easy on the eyes! Tons of free classic books!!!!!

 

[Centient]

The i4 has turned me onto ebooks. I've been using iBooks b/c it's a more seamless experience than the other e-reader apps on the i4.

At these prices the Kindle looks like something I'd consider getting in the not so distant future. Going forward I'm now more likely to purchase books through the Kindle app than iBooks with an eye towards owning a Kindle at some point.

 

[ModestForumName]

sorry but I just can't compel myself to commit to either format for my reading. Call me crazy but I like the distinguished look of a solid bookshelf full of diverse books as opposed to an electronic list telling me what I've bought. That and I heard the Amish bible wasn't compatible with any e-reading devices

 

[kas23]

Okay, I thought long and hard about this, and I can't figure out what this has to do with Apple. Because the iPad competes (and not really, even) with the Kindle, a new revision of that device gets announced here?

Likewise, shouldn't there be a news story every time a new Best Buy or Walmart opens? They sell Macs and iPods.

Really, well you obviously didn't think to hard. I'll spell it out for you though. One of the biggest features Apple touted with the iPad was its ebook reading functionality. They even opened a whole new section in iTunes devoted to selling ebooks. So, I would assume that the highest selling ebook reader, one that is associated with the very best ebook store hands down, is highly relevant to the Apple and its iPad. Especially when this huge price drop could effect iPad prices in the long run.

There are many people (right here in this thread) that are also debating between a Kindle and an iPad. Sure, the iPad blows it out of the water in terms of overall functionality. But, the price of the Kindle is extremely enticing.

 

[NebulaClash]

sorry but I just can't compel myself to commit to either format for my reading. Call me crazy but I like the distinguished look of a solid bookshelf full of diverse books as opposed to an electronic list telling me what I've bought.

I get that same feeling when I look at my iPad books in bookshelf view. That's not an electronic list at all.

One thing about the Kindle I have to wonder about: why do they keep dropping the price? Sales are slowing?

 

[MattyMac]

price is very competitive of the iPad and will help amazon alot.

 

[J R R]

Convergence

It would be nice to have one device that did everything.

I'm a portable techno tart and an apple tart.

OK - you don't want a phone the size of an iPad or Kindle.

What I've found is, specifically as an eBook reader...

- iPad screen is too bright
- iPad you can read in the dark, but see other limitations
- iPad is too heavy to read "normally" holding it for extended periods
- Size of page is very nice
- Colour isn't helpful for eBooks (comics, magazines etc - OK, nice)
- Can't read in strong light
- Pictures very good - but I read novels so irrelevant
- Can flip 90 degrees (not really useful for reading)

- Small (white) kindle screen is very good
- page size and number of lines/words slightly annoying being a small screen
- need a light source like a book
- can read anywhere you can read a book
- grey scale pictures quite good (although irrelevant to me)

- Big (grey) kindle screen contrast is very, very good
- I can see why it is grey, it helps make the screen appear clearer
- Big screen size is nice, fewer page turns
- Pictures are very good is grey and irrelevant to me
- It is bordering on too big and heavy, not as bad as the iPad, but still not great for a long read
- Can flip 90 degrees (not really useful for reading)

I think I've read 10 books on the iPad, 40-50 on the little white kindle and 3 on the big grey kindle.

I think the new little grey kindle is a good move. Assuming it has the good screen contrast. It's the right size and weight.

I've not touched on book availability (kindle win), book price (kindle win) or being able to watch movies, browse, run useful apps etc etc (iPad win).

If you want mobile consumer computing and a good eReader you need two "things" at the moment.

Publishers need to get their act together as well. Book availability is OK on the Kindle, but not great. Paperback release dates (not hardback) and not stocking some / enough books of all types. I'm sold on ebooks but I still need to buy some "legacy" books to keep reading what I want to when I want to.

I also think that the iPad could be improved as a user experience for all the things we use it for if it were lighter. Aluminium and glass is "cool" looking and initial feel, but it is heavy. I guess it is greenly recyclable as well. But a nasty hydrocarbon plastic iPad which is lighter might be a better device to use. Like the plastic MacBook. Not sure what the technology / ruggedness implication of this would be.

 

[NikeTalk]

Like mentioned before many people aren't sweating bullets on whether to get an iPad or Kindle. Until the entry level price drops dramatically (which isn't going to happen) for the iPad the Kindle will continue to rack up on sales. $139 vs $499 is a huge difference especially to the average joe that isn't too hard into specs.

 

[NebulaClash]

I don't think we'll have have a device that does EVERYTHING until we get reliable speech recognition. Until then there will be times when a laptop and keyboard will trump an iPad.

But the iPad does everything else extraordinarily well. I've never enjoyed reading as much as I do on this device (I'm getting rid of my physical books now, so that shows you how much I enjoy reading on the iPad). I never, ever want to read a paper book again, and I never thought I would feel this way, but I do.